John "Jack" Nicholson

John (known to most as Jack) William Nicholson,78, passed away Wednesday, July 15th 2026 in Bend OR. He was born in Morton, WA on October 10th, 1947 to John and Lorraine Nicholson and was the older of two children. Jack graduated from Del Norte High /school in Crescent City, CA in 1966 and soon after went to Southern Oregon University where he obtained his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Business. Summer work during his college years included two formative years on a fishing boat in Alaska as well as a ski instructor at Mt. Ashland. Fishing and skiing remained passions throughout his life. His career centered on wood manufacturing, starting with Simpson Timber Company in northern California and transferring to Shelton WA Plywood Mill where he assumed supervisory positions and on to plant superintendent. While in Shelton, Jack met and married his wife Deb (Debra Guttormson) in 1983. A job offer by Bend Millwork Systems in 1989 (later bought by Jeld Wen) brought them to Bend where they settled and raised their three girls, Chelsea, Marissa and Mackenzie. Jack ended his work with Jeld Wen in research and development where he developed Auralast, a patent wood protection designed to protect wood against rot, water damage and termites. Jack was known for his stellar sense of humor and for his ability to fix or build anything. He always had a woodworking project going in his garage as well as spending time on the lake with his boat, hunting trips with buddies and taking his girls on outdoor adventures. He faced his last years battling mesothelioma with strength and an on-going effort to fish, travel, and enjoy time with his family. Jack is survived by his wife Deb Nicholson, his three children Chelsea (Mac) Faulkner, Marissa (Colton) Emmert and Mackenzie (Dan Backhaus) Nicholson, five grandchildren, Luca, Rain, Crimson, Addy and Asher, and his brother Steve Nicholson. Jack was preceded in death by his father John S Nicholson and mother Lorraine Nicholson. Jack will be deeply missed and always remembered by family and all who knew him. At his request his ashes will be scattered at a favorite fishing spot. Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home was honored to handle the arrangements.

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John "Jack" Nicholson

October 10, 1957 - July 15, 2026